Education
Why FG Is Considering Two Years For NYSC
By Gideon Ayeni
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has proposed a bold reform to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme — extending the program’s duration from one year to two years.
Speaking during a strategic meeting with the newly appointed NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, in Abuja, Dr. Alausa argued that lengthening the NYSC service period to two years would allow for a more comprehensive Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program. According to him, such a move would better equip corps members to become self-reliant job creators, rather than job seekers, in today’s challenging economy.
Dr. Alausa also commended the NYSC’s recent digitization drive aimed at curbing certificate racketeering, particularly among foreign-trained graduates from West African nations. He emphasized the need for integrity in the service scheme and called for continued innovation in the system’s operations.
On another note, the minister addressed the longstanding issue surrounding graduates with OND part-time qualifications who later earn full-time HND degrees but are exempted from service. He revealed that the ministry is currently reviewing the policy to ensure fair treatment and inclusion for all Nigerian graduates.
Responding to the minister’s proposals for two years of NYSC service and others, Brigadier General Nafiu praised Dr. Alausa’s forward-thinking leadership and pledged full cooperation in reforming the scheme. He also recommended the creation of a robust database to monitor Nigerian students studying abroad, a move that would help the government better manage foreign-trained graduates and design more effective policies for youth engagement.
The proposed extension of the NYSC program is expected to spark national debate, especially among stakeholders in the education and youth development sectors, as the government looks to reshape the future of Nigeria’s young workforce.
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